Discipline - Horseball
Introduction to Horseball
Horseball is a fast and exciting team sport played on horseback. Originally developed in the 1930's, it was "re-invented" in France at the end of the 1970's by Jean Paul Depons, a riding instructor and rugby player. At that time the French Equestrian Federation (FFE) was looking for an activity that was inexpensive and easy to organize in any riding school. Since then horseball has become an integral part of the riding instruction in France. Based in dressage, it encourages soft hands, strong legs, a deep seat and an unfailable balance. It also tends to bring in more boys to equestrian activities and keeps them interested in horses. The game has now been recognized by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) as one of its ten core disciplines, possibly paving the way for eventual Olympic recognition.
THE GAME
Horseball pits four players (who can be of either sex) against each other. They compete in halves of 10 minutes each- enough to tire both horses and riders-on a pitch that is no more than 70 meters by 30 meters. The smallness of the pitch ensures that players are always in close contact, much as in rugby or basketball. The team that scores the most goals wins. In order to score, the team has to pass the ball (a small football, fitted with six leather handles) a minimum of three consecutive passes between at least three team-members without dropping it and to shoot it through a hoop 1 meter in diameter and 3.5 metres off the ground. Men and women compete together at all levels, which makes horseball one of the rare mixed gender team sports.
Tackling usually involves physical contact, though technically a player must grab the ball without grabbing its carrier. The carrier must hold the ball in one hand only while being tackled, but a challenge can often be evaded simply by holding the ball on the side away from the tackler. Effective tacklers overcome this by shoulder-barging the carrier to knock him/her off balance, at which point his natural instinct is to steady himself by pulling in the extended ball-carrying arm, giving the tackler a chance. When the ball is dropped the player has to slide from the saddle and sweep it up, connected to his charging steed only by the stirrups that are connected by a belly strap - an act that requires much courage and is thrilling to watch, especially when two opponents race side-by-side to win the ball.
Ultimately, games are won by superior horsemanship. A horseballer must keep his hands free, and rely almost entirely on his legs to control his mount-to stop, turn and vary it's speed. This, say horseballers requires more skill than polo, in which players rely on reins and a whip.
THE HORSE
Any horse or pony is suitable for Horseball, at a novice level, most are 'general purpose' and also do showing, jumping and dressage. They must be energetic but also calm at once, brave, and sociable.
At International level, some prefer the Thoroughbred for it's speed, some prefer the Native breeds for their short, compact bodies, but all have one thing in common - they require a high standard of basic dressage in order to comply with the agility, muscle structure and obedience demanded by the game.
